The Fairy Princess posted a blog yesterday about what you, dear Reader, can do to quell the pandemic panic you are feeling in self isolation – and then, she thought of some more things – so here we go –

First off, The New York Youth Symphony (which has a large AAPI contingent) has been practicing social distancing and social distance practicing as an orchestra – they are confined, but not out – so before you read this blog, please promise to watch this video in it’s entirety while you BREATHE…

In a display of hope, community and resilience, 71 members of the orchestra come together virtually with Music Director @mikerepper from their isolation points across the country to perform Mahler's Symphony No. 1. This video was edited by our own NYYS violinist, Raina Tung. pic.twitter.com/RvhOeOvrh5

No, TFP cannot center it – it’s a tweet – let it go – all of this is about letting it go.

Speaking of letting it go – AAPIS are going to have to say bye to the revised production of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE at NY’s City Center. This production was to have starred Tony Nominee, Ashley Park as Millie, and was being advised by CAMBODIAN ROCK STAR scribe, Lauren Yee – so this is upsetting, yes.

However, they are cancelling the rest of their 2019-2020 season, including their 5 borough community production, ON THE MOVE, and the rest of their summer. Not just the Asians – so…pandemic mode, be forgiving.

TFP would like to thank NY City Center for taking this huge step – and yes, it totally stinks, but she understands, and hopefully, a revamped production will show up next season!

Now for more things to watch while you are at home – and forgive TFP if she does not expect oil paintings or gourmet meals while you are confined – if you do it – GREAT!

Yay for YOOOOOUUUUU – if you happen to have a small child you are trying to keep off screens but who keeps grabbing screens because screens are everywhere….and today you are just letting it ride because it is Saturday and you can do NO more – then – perhaps do the best you can….

First up, and we are going back a ways – have you all seen TIGER HUNTER (2016)?

It is on NETFLIX, available now.

Taking place in 1979, engineer Sami is excited to leave his village in India for a job in Chicago, but he soon runs into issues when pursuing his American Dream.

Also on NETFLIX comedy specials by Ali Wong, Ken Jeong, Ronny Chieng, Jo Koy – should keep you laughing for at least an hour.

A film TFP enjoys is SEOUL SEARCHING from 2016 – about Korean American teens who head back to Korea for summer camp and wind up getting in a whole lot of trouble. Look out for one of Justin Chon’s early breakout performances as the badass KoreAm who is a rebel – think literally ANY teen film in America – and then put Asians in it.

It’s a laugh riot from start to finish – and KoreAms especially are going to love it.

Be prepared for co-option, which is explored, but can be jarring – and questionable moral choices – again, just like any other American teen film.

It is a win. ( A salty, insane, diaspora win)

In a time when AAPIs are getting attacked – and we are – and not ‘just’ Chinese Americans but all because, well, white people have no idea, the idea of self defense may resonate with you, in which case, you can check out THE SENSEI from 2010.

Written and Directed by Diana Lee Inosanto, it riled up the martial arts community and caused the team to get death threats – because the right to defend yourself from hatred, and self-hatred is…challenging to some.

Set during the rise of the AIDS crisis, an HIV Positive Female Martial Arts Instructor goes home to make peace with her family, only to take on a student who is being bullied for being Gay and needs to know how to defend himself.

TFP was an Associate Producer on this film – but that is not why she is sharing it, perhaps the time of THE SENSEI has come again.